KRG expresses concern over Gaza Strip

ERBIL, Iraq, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq Tuesday issued a statement expressing its concern for the violence and loss of life in the Gaza Strip conflict.

Israeli airstrikes on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip entered their fourth day Tuesday. Israel launched retaliatory strikes during the weekend on the Palestinian territory after Hamas lifted a six-month cease-fire agreement.

World leaders and the United Nations called on both sides to exercise restraint in some of the bloodiest conflict in the region since the birth of Israel in 1948.

The KRG issued a statement of concern for the damage to the already-sagging infrastructure in the tiny territory, saying such devastation could only lead to worse humanitarian conditions for Gazans.

U.N. officials estimate the death toll is around 384, with 62 civilian deaths. Only four Israelis were killed as of Tuesday.

The Kurdish government in Iraq said it hoped both sides could reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, as dialogue was the best path to peace.

"We believe that dialogue and a commitment to peaceful negotiations are the only way to resolve these disputes and we hope that all parties will cease violence and open discussions on a cease-fire immediately," the statement said.